Essex County Daily Buzz: Jun. 25, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

MEND, a hunger relief network, is hiring a purchasing manager, a program coordinator, and a driver and warehouse assistant. Job descriptions are available online. People can send resumes and cover letters to HR@mendnj.org.
MEND

KinderSmile Foundation is hiring a part-time community health worker. Apply by emailing ksf@kindersmile.org.
KinderSmile Foundation

Partnership for Children of Essex seeks school supply donations. Accepted items include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and more. Drop-off locations are 300 Braodacres Dr. in Bloomfield and 148-152 Franklin St. in Belleville. Donations will benefit children living in the 34th legislative district: Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley, and Orange.
Partnership for Children of Essex

Local organizations can apply to Maplewood Foundation’s grants that benefit services in Maplewood and South Orange. A list of grants and eligibility requirements are available online. Applications are due Sep. 1.
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The Maplewood Foundation

Children can read to a dog at Maplewood library on Jul. 2 in the Hilton Branch. it is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is not required
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Maplewood Public Library

Maplewood’s Independence Day celebration is Jul. 4. There will be a 5K race, bike parade, children’s fun run, adult softball game, and more. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. A list of times and locations of activities is available online.
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Maplewood Township

“Stride For Pride and Pride Festival” planned with West Orange Human Relations Commission on Jun. 27. The walk is from 1-3 p.m. at West Orange Reservoir. The festival will follow from 3-6 p.m. at McLoone’s Boathouse Patio.
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West Orange Human Relations Commission

West Orange’s Independence Day celebration is Jul. 4. it is from 12-6 p.m. at West Orange High School. There will be music, food trucks, and children’s activities.
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West Orange Recreation Department

Summer reading story time for children planned at Montclair library on Jun. 29 in the Main Branch. It begins at 6:15 p.m.
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Montclair Public Library

Montclair library will renovate both library branches using $36.6 million in transferable state tax credits. It was awarded by the N.J. Economic Development Authority’s Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion program.
Montclair Public Library

Students in grades 9-12 can attend Montclair Film’s summer filmmaking session, scheduled from Aug. 3-7 and Aug. 10-14. Attendees will learn how to make a film, edit with Adobe Premiere Pro, and use a camera. Registration is required.
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Montclair Film

Jackie’s Grillette, a deli in Montclair, relocated to 612 Valley Rd. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. except Sundays.
Montclair Girl

Pride event for families planned with Garden State Equality on Jun. 28 in Newark. It is from 1-4 p.m. at Rabbit Hole Farm, 38 Rose Terrace. There will be a garden tour, LGBTQ+ story time, and arts and crafts.
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Garden State Equality

Newark residents ages 16-34 can apply to Ironbound Community Corporation’s Community-Based Violence Intervention training program. It connects participants to resources, emergency funding, workforce development programs, supportive services, and more. Applications are available online.
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Ironbound Community Corporation

Nutley’s 2026 Firecracker Family Fun Run is scheduled for Jul. 4. It begins at 9 a.m. at Kingsland Park. Registration is required.
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Nutley Township

Nutley’s Independence Day celebration is Jul. 4. It begins at 6 p.m. at Nutley Park Oval. There will be fireworks, food vendors, and face-painting.
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Nutley Township

Children ages 18 and younger can receive free breakfast and lunch from East Orange school district starting Jun. 29. It is available weekdays at participating locations. A list of locations is available online. All sites are closed Jul. 3. Applications and registration are not required.
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East Orange Public Schools

East Orange’s Independence Day celebration is Jul. 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Paul Robeson Stadium. Free admission.
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East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Independence Day celebration planned with Belleville on Jul. 3. It begins at 6 p.m. at the Belleville Municipal Stadium. There will be fireworks, food, and more.
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Belleville Township

Yoga session planned with Belleville on Jul. 4. It begins at 9 a.m. at School No. 7 Field. People must bring their own yoga mat. Free admission.
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Belleville Township

Bloomfield’s Independence Day celebration is Jul. 4. It is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Foley Field. There will be live music, fireworks, and food vendors.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

REGIONAL NEWS

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order to reduce junk fees in N.J. Junk fees are hidden charges that increase the cost of goods and services. The executive order directs all state agencies to identify and analyze the impact of junk fees on consumers and provide legislative recommendations to reduce or eliminate them.
Governor Mikie Sherrill